How Sewing Became a Lifeline: Rebekah From The Gathered Seam, on Grief, Memory Keepsakes & Small Business

Send us Fan MailThis week, Rebekah, also known as Sewno65 on Instagram, shares her journey from self-taught sewist to running her successful memory keepsake business, The Gathered Seam. In this episode, we talk about her creative process, balancing sewing with family life, and the powerful role craft can play in navigating grief and personal growth. A thoughtful conversation about sewing, storytelling, and the meaning behind what we make.Key Takeaways:Rebekah’s journey into sewing began after being inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee. Largely self-taught, she later took a few classes to build confidence and refine her skills.Before sewing became a bigger part of her life, she worked as an events manager. But while pregnant with her second child, she made the decision to step away from a high-stress career and focus on something more sustainable for her and her family.She went on to start her own small business, creating memory bears and blankets, alongside alterations and bespoke pieces.In 2023, after the sudden loss of her father, sewing became something much deeper, offering comfort, focus, and a way to process grief. Rebekah shares how craft can be both mindful and therapeutic, and how she continues to prioritise sewing even within a busy family life.Follow me: Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod                     @thedalythreadTiktok: thesewingsocialpodIf you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpodAlso, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:[email protected]*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocialGuest Details: Instagram: @sewno65                     @thegatheredseamWebsite: https://thegatheredseam.sumupstore.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewno65/Affiliate Links:Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPODSew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPODChapters00:00 The Journey into Sewing04:04 Diving into Dressmaking09:22 Personal Style and Fashion Choices10:40 Finding Time for Sewing14:04 Career Transition and Business Beginnings18:23 Evolving Craft: From Personal to Professional21:39 Teaching the Art of Sewing25:32 The Journey to Counselling26:41 Crafting Through Grief29:59 The Mindfulness of Sewing33:23 Balancing Business and Life33.25 Join my Substack